Page 77 - The Engineering Guide to LEED-New Construction Sustainable Construction for Engineers

58 Cha pte r T w o

as electricity, hydrogen, propane or compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, methanol,
and ethanol. Efficient gas-electric hybrid vehicles are included in this group for LEED
purposes.” However, this is probably an older definition from previous versions of
LEED that is not fully intended to be used for Option 2 in this version. It is the opinion
of the author that it is not the intent of Option 2 to provide gasoline fueling for hybrids,
but to instead provide some alternative fuel. In addition, biodiesel is an alternative fuel
that is being accepted for use in many diesel engines. Biodiesel is a blend of vegetable/
animal diesel, and petroleum-based diesel can be used in most diesel engines with no
modifications up to about 20 percent biodiesel based (B20). Lower percentages of
petroleum-based diesel in the mix (up to 0 percent in B100) may need some modified
parts in vehicles such as different material hoses. This alternative has not been directly
addressed in this credit, but the author believes that it may have the opportunity for
acceptance but would need verification based on a CIR.

Special Circumstances and Exemplary Performance
In summary, Options 1, 3, and 4 in LEED 2009 deal with low-emitting and fuel-efficient
vehicles, whereas Option 2 deals with alternative-fuel vehicles. It is the opinion of the
author that low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles should include alternative-fuel
vehicles, but that alternative-fuel vehicles do not include many of the low-emitting and
fuel-efficient vehicles. Figure 2.4.4 depicts signage for parking spaces reserved for fuel-
efficient vehicles.
If there are special circumstances or nonstandard compliance paths taken for
either of the options, a narrative must be submitted describing these circumstances.
There is not an exemplary performance point tied individually to SSc4.3; however,
there is an overall point that can be earned for a transportation plan as previously
mentioned.

FIGURE 2.4.4 Shell Woodcreek offi ce and multipurpose building complex in Houston, TX.
Reserved parking area for fuel-effi cient vehicles. (Photo taken November 11, 2009 by
Heidi Brakewood.)